Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Software Engineer

at Against Malaria Foundation

🏢 About Against Malaria Foundation

Against Malaria Foundation is a highly effective charity focused on distributing insecticidal nets to prevent malaria in Africa. It is unique for its data-driven approach and transparency, with over 90% of donations funding direct programs. Working here means contributing to a mission that saves lives at a low cost per net.

About This Role

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will lead full-stack projects using .NET Core and SQL Server, overseeing small teams to build and maintain the systems that track net distribution and impact. Your work directly supports operational efficiency and data integrity, enabling the foundation to maximize its life-saving reach.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start by reviewing critical issues or support tickets, then lead a stand-up with your small team. Spend the morning coding on a .NET Core feature or optimizing SQL queries, and the afternoon collaborating with field staff to refine requirements. End the day by documenting progress and planning next steps for your project.

🎯 Who Against Malaria Foundation Is Looking For

  • Experienced in .NET Core and SQL Server with a track record of leading small technical teams.
  • Strong analytical thinker who can design robust databases and solve complex functionality issues.
  • Able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including field staff.
  • Passionate about using technology for social impact and comfortable working in a remote, mission-driven environment.

📝 Tips for Applying to Against Malaria Foundation

1

Highlight any experience with non-profit or mission-driven tech projects, even if volunteer work.

2

In your resume, quantify the impact of your projects (e.g., 'led a team to build a system that processed 10k+ transactions daily').

3

Mention specific examples of how you handled critical issues or maintained system security under pressure.

4

Tailor your cover letter to show understanding of malaria prevention and the foundation's data-driven approach.

5

If possible, include a link to a GitHub repo or portfolio that demonstrates .NET Core and SQL Server skills.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express genuine interest in the foundation's mission and how your skills can directly contribute to saving lives.", 'Emphasize your leadership experience and ability to manage full-stack projects from analysis to completion.', 'Showcase your problem-solving skills with a concrete example of a complex database design or system improvement.', 'Demonstrate your communication skills by explaining a technical concept to a non-technical audience in the letter.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Read the foundation's annual reports and impact evaluations to understand how they measure net distribution effectiveness.
  • Familiarize yourself with their current technology stack and any open-source projects they may have on GitHub.
  • Learn about the logistics of net distribution in Africa, including challenges like data collection in remote areas.
  • Check their blog or news section for recent updates on software or data initiatives.
Visit Against Malaria Foundation's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through a .NET Core project you led. How did you handle team coordination and technical decisions?
2 How would you design a database to track net distribution across multiple regions with varying data quality?
3 Describe a time you had to respond to a critical system issue. What steps did you take?
4 How do you ensure security in a full-stack application? Provide specific practices for .NET Core and SQL Server.
5 How would you communicate a complex technical problem to a non-technical stakeholder at a charity?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application; tailor every document to show you understand the foundation's mission and tech needs.
  • Avoid focusing solely on technical skills without demonstrating leadership and communication abilities.
  • Don't overlook the importance of database design; be prepared to discuss normalization, indexing, and performance.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Against Malaria Foundation!